As the Fringe is over and the masses of tourists have gone away, Edinburgh can often feel almost like a ghost town during September. Even though students are back for the new academic year, the month often carries the energy of a transitional period from summer into autumn. We will be seeing more of the iconic foggy castle views as fog covers the streets later in the month, and those autumn walks will feel extra refreshing. However, even though the busy festival season is over, there are still plenty of outstanding highlights during the coming month. Check out our take on some noteworthy things to do this September.
Immerse yourself in this multi-sensory, cosily dimmed musical experience at the unique venue of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Guests can marvel at the best hits they know and love from Queen and ABBA, perfectly accompanied by the shimmering hues of candlelight. A string quartet will be performing tributes of some all-time favourites in no particular order, starting with Dancing Queen by ABBA and ending the show with Gimme Gimme Gimme by ABBA. Don’t miss out on this special concert, filled with those warm, fuzzy, familiar feelings.
Just because the Fringe is over, doesn’t mean there aren’t any things to do in September and we cannot still enjoy comedy shows. Every Monday, The Stand comedy club hosts Red Raw: an open-mic night where anyone can sign up. It will be the first time on stage for some of the acts, as well as more seasoned performers trying out new material. The event is considered the best open-mic night in the UK, and you will have a great time no matter what. The entry is only £5, so do book in advance since it gets busy. So, Red Raw is where you can watch the stars of tomorrow start out in the comedy scene.
Fellow geeks, rejoice: The Cocktail Geeks is transforming their themed bar into the mysterious world of murder mysteries, ‘Clue’, from mid-September, and we’re up for some dark, boozy fun. As you walk through an arched doorway of this bespoke bar, you are transported into another world: a world full of imagination, wonder and, nonetheless, alcohol. The bar is currently still ‘House of Dragon’-Themed up until September, so do be quick if you want to go to the land of dragons.
South Queensferry is a land of the Forth bridges, nice views and is a definition of a great wee day oot further away from the city. Witness the Forth Bridge, a railway bridge that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wander around the village discovering quaint coffee shops and cute charity shops. For the true breakfast enthusiast just like us, book a table at Scotts (as it’s always busy) for sensational eggs benny or cinnamon and banana pancakes. Witness the ships go by sitting by the water, or pop in for a meal with a view at Orocco Pier. At Port Edgar Marina, water sports lovers can also partake in water activities such as sailing and boating. And if there wasn’t enough walking for the day, cross the Forth Road Bridge on foot into North Queensferry.
There isn’t a Japanese place in Edinburgh with better reviews than Chizuru Tei in Haymarket. According to recent visitors, it is the ‘best sushi they have ever had’ and some described it as the ‘best Japanese restaurant outside of Japan’. The menu is reasonably priced and is the dream for Japanese cuisine lovers. Start with warming up your heart with miso soup and work your way through the myriad of sushi options. For something other than sushi, the Teriyaki chicken teppanyaki or a Teriyaki salmon ramen will surely bring you back to a time in Kyoto when you stumbled upon a soulful local food joint. Oh, and they have green tea ice cream! That has surely brought me back to a time in Nara when I got chased by a deer after the said ice cream.
On September 12, 145 Pitt Street will become the mecca of sustainable fashion. Vintage lovers will get the chance to rummage for their new favourite pieces, and the best part is that it will be charged by the kilo! It is one of the most affordable and sustainable ways to shop, so you could even treat yourself to a brand new wardrobe if you looked hard enough. For £15 per kilo, fashion lovers can fill up a bag of pre-loved goodness. Each rail is divided into product type categories, like shirts or sweatshirts, jackets or T-shirts and is continuously restocked throughout the day. There is also no minimum or maximum spend, meaning you can buy as much or as little as you desire. You can pre-book a ticket for speedy entry, or you can pay £2 to enter at the door.
While the weather still permits, out of all the things to do in September, enjoy some time outside and go down to The Shore for a splendid beer garden. With a wide array of pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating, the choice is endless. We love Teuchter’s Landingfor its authentic feel and ample outdoor seating right by the water. As one of the best beer gardens around, it also offers comfort food and a traditional Highland pub setting. On top of a sweet selection of beers, Teuchter’s Landing also offers an extensive whiskey list if whiskey’s more your vibe.
The Pentland Hills are only a short drive away and offer some show-stopping views, making it a must on the things-to-do list in September. The trail near Swanston Village and Swanston Golf Course is not only easy to get to for both drivers and non-drivers, but also presents views of both Edinburgh and The Pentlands on the other side. The hike is a little bit steep and takes around two hours to complete, great to bring your furry friends along and spot some Highland coos. If you don’t drive, make your way on the bus to Swanston Morrisons and walk over towards Swanston Golf Club. Start the trail in the car park where you will follow the path through the tiny traditional village that will lead you further up into the hills. While there are people who go running up and down those hills for fun, others will be feeling their legs for a week after this hike. But the verdict is clear: good views require some pain!
Celebrate Autumn Equinox at the Midnight Lunar Market
Leith Witchcraft Market will be enchanting Edinburgh on Sunday, September 20. Located at Le Monde on George Street between 5pm and midnight, the market has a unique vibe that lures in “witchy crafters and crafty witches”. You can top up your crystal collection, get a tarot card or palm reading, buy a tarot deck or just join a coven. Visitors can also treat themselves to plenty of handmade goodies, such as magical jewellery, art in multiple forms by local artists or skull-shaped handmade soap, all from local businesses and artists.
For those who are fans of West End musicals, look no further than ‘Annie’, playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse between September 15 and 20. ‘Annie’ is a timeless classic from the golden age of musicals that quickly became a hit and boasts a terrific score with songs such as It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Set in 1930s New York, the musical follows Annie, who is living at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Annie is then chosen to go to a local billionaire’s home to spend Christmas with him, with Miss Hannigan having plans to sabotage the joyous time.
